What condition is characterized by chronic fatigue and characteristic tender points on examination?

The condition characterized by chronic fatigue and the presence of specific tender points on examination is fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the musculoskeletal system and is associated with widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive difficulties. The hallmark of fibromyalgia is the identification of tender points—specific locations on the body that are sensitive to pressure and cause pain when palpated. These tender points help distinguish fibromyalgia from other pain conditions.

In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis primarily involves joint inflammation and damage, leading to pain and stiffness but does not typically highlight chronic fatigue or tender points as defining features. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, also causes pain but is characterized by joint stiffness and functional impairment, rather than the widespread pain and fatigue seen in fibromyalgia. Gout is an inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, intense episodes of pain in a specific joint, often the big toe, and does not involve the chronic fatigue or widespread tender points characteristic of fibromyalgia. Thus, fibromyalgia stands out distinctly due to its unique symptom profile.